Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS-TRANSPORT, cilt.157, sa.4, ss.231-237, 2004 (SCI-Expanded)
This study aims to describe quantitatively the injuries and fatalities from high rates of serious road traffic accidents (RTAs) in Turkey, to identify any trends during the period 1980-2000, to compare the results with those of developed countries and to evaluate the information available on possible causes with a view to identifying the most useful direction for future research. Data were obtained from the Turkish police, State Institute of Statistics, health sources and, for international comparison, from the published literature. Estimates of trends were made using linear regression. The results revealed that during the period 1980-2000, the rates of RTAs per 100 000 population and per 100 000 motor vehicles increased. Deaths in each RTA increased in the short period (1980-1987) and declined during the period 1987-2000. RTA injuries during the period 1980-2000 increased steadily. Between 1980 and 2000 the severity rate (the ratio of fatalities per 1000 RTAs) decreased threefold in Turkey. Turkey's rates were compared to a number of selected countries. Further investigation requiring close collaboration between police and health authorities is therefore essential.